On May 26, 2025, Phra Maha Abhisit Wiriya, the provincial monastic leader of Nong Kee District in Buriram, along with sangha officials, Department of Religious Affairs staff, and temple committee members, conducted a fact-finding investigation into allegations against a monk at the same temple. The accused monk was reported to be using drugs, receiving male visitors at his quarters, engaging in explicit video calls with contacts from dating applications, and having inappropriate conversations. After reviewing preliminary video evidence, investigators found that the person in the clips resembled the accused monk, though no conclusive proof of drug use was established. However, given that the images damaged Buddhism's reputation, the sangha voted to transfer the accused monk back to his original temple in Pathum Thani within 24 hours and for him to reflect on monastic discipline. The complaining monk, who belongs to a different sect, was also transferred back to his original temple in Roi Et within 24 hours. When questioned, the accused monk declined to comment through media, stating only that he was being framed and did not commit the alleged acts, but accepted the sangha's transfer decision. The complaining monk explained he normally resides in Nong Kee District but came to this temple to care for his ailing parents. Upon witnessing inappropriate behavior that brought shame to Buddhism, he filed the complaint and accepted the sangha's decision. Meanwhile, relatives and supporters who learned of the case came to observe and offer encouragement to the accused monk, with many expressing disbelief in the allegations based on his good conduct.

At 9:05 a.m. on May 26, 2025, at Government House, Danuda Pitchayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDB), discussed the preparation of a clarification statement to be submitted to the Constitutional Court regarding whether the 400 billion baht emergency borrowing decree violates the constitution. He directed inquiries to Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Nitprapat.

Last week, the NESDB coordinated with the Ministry of Finance to jointly draft and discuss the clarification before submission, with Pichai conducting the final review. When asked about the number of clarification documents, Danuda said he was unsure but that the process involved the Ministry of Finance and relevant agencies, with the Finance Ministry serving as the lead agency. All clarifications were sent to Pichai last week.

Regarding the number of project proposals submitted to the project screening committee, Danuda noted the matter is still under consideration and directed detailed questions to the Ministry of Finance.

On the Thai Help Thai Plus program's economic stimulus potential, Danuda explained that rising living costs and inflation make this initiative vital for reducing the cost of living. Beyond that direct benefit, the program is expected to provide additional economic support, with calculations showing it could increase GDP by 0.4 percent. Approximately 200 billion baht from the emergency borrowing decree will be disbursed under this program.

On May 25 at 8:30 PM Paris time at the Palais de l'Elysée in Paris, French Republic, President Emmanuel Macron hosted a dinner for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Minister of Interior, with a warm welcome atmosphere.

Following the meeting, government spokeswoman Rachada Thanadirek summarized key discussion points:

1. Trade and Investment Promotion: Both the French President and Prime Minister agreed to boost bilateral trade and investment growth, particularly in high-value industries including renewable energy, aerospace and aviation, smart electrical transmission lines, and AI Data Center infrastructure—future industries where French private sector has strong expertise and capacity. Following discussions with MEDEF International and leading French private companies, many firms expressed interest in investing or expanding investments in Thailand, while France commended Thai private sector investments in France and welcomes further expansion.

2. Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement Negotiations: This is one of the Thai government's key policies, with commitment to conclude negotiations this year. The Prime Minister thanked France for continuous support of the negotiation process, confident this agreement will be a significant turning point creating economic opportunities for both nations.

3. Enhanced Security Cooperation in Cybersecurity: As both sides participate in Cobra Gold exercises, security and cybersecurity cooperation will be expanded, aligning with the government's global efforts to combat cybercriminals and online threats, successfully prosecuting and extraditing suspects, and seizing illegal assets.

4. Thailand-Cambodia and Myanmar Situations: The Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to respecting sovereignty principles, peace, and international law. The decision to cancel MOU 44, after nearly 25 years without progress, led Thailand to apply international law (UNCLOS) through bilateral discussions. For land border issues, Thailand will follow the joint statement signed late last year while requiring proof of Cambodia's sincerity.

Both sides will advance a Joint Action Plan to strengthen the Thai-French Partnership 2026-2028, a significant step toward elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

French participants included Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Deputy Minister Éléonore Caroit, Asia-Pacific Bureau Director Benoît Guidée, French Ambassador to Thailand Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, Presidential Diplomatic Advisor Emmanuel Bonne, Asia Affairs Advisor Julie Le Saos, and others.

The latest episode of Nohn Krachae featuring substitute host Ajarn Yingsakdi in place of Num Kharachai has garnered overwhelmingly positive audience response. Fans praised the new host for bringing energy and entertainment to the program. Num Kharachai posted photos from the episode and expressed his gratitude to Ajarn Yingsakdi, saying: "I'm so glad everyone loved today's Nohn Krachae... Thank you so much, Ajarn Yingsakdi. I was thrilled when he answered immediately without any hesitation when I called to invite him. Hope he comes back often, I'd love to hang out!" Kharachai also shared side-by-side comparison photos of himself and Yingsakdi from when they appeared together in a film scene, alongside shots from the recent episode, jokingly captioning it "You two are always on it." Viewers expressed strong approval of Yingsakdi's performance, with many suggesting he become a permanent host, praising his comedic timing and natural chemistry with the show's format. Comments included "Make him the permanent host, he's so sharp" and "I don't have to worry anymore about whether Num will show up."

Thai woman in South Korea driven to suicide by financial pressure from creditorLegacyA Thai woman living in South Korea died by suicide after allegedly facing financial pressure from excessive interest payments and public humiliation by a creditor. The deceased was identified as 40 year old Areerat. Her body was discovered in a rented room in Seoul two days after her South Korean husband reported her missing to local police. Areerat was originally from Ubon Ratchathani and had moved to South Korea after marrying her husband. Her older sister, 42 year old Anchalee, told ThaiRath that the family first became concerned after seeing social media posts from Areerat’s friends expressing condolences over her death. Anchalee said Areerat’s 13 year old daughter later contacted the family to confirm the news. According to Anchalee, Areerat had worked overseas since the age of 20 and had previously lived and worked in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and South Korea. The family acknowledged that she initially worked in the country illegally before later obtaining legal residency through marriage. Photo via Matichon Areerat had lived in South Korea for around 15 years. She previously worked in a factory before starting a small business importing Thai food ingredients, kitchen utensils, and other products for sale to Thai residents in South Korea. She reportedly lived alone in a rented room to support the business while her husband and daughter stayed at another residence located further away. Anchalee said the family had not known about Areerat’s financial difficulties until after her death, when friends shared details of her situation. According to friends, Areerat experienced cash flow problems after allowing customers to pay in instalments and regularly offering discounts. Without sufficient operating funds, she allegedly borrowed 30 million won, approximately 650,000 baht, from another Thai woman living in South Korea. Photo via Matichon Friends claimed Areerat had repaid the original amount, but the lender allegedly continued charging excessive interest rates that reportedly doubled the debt burden. The friends said the financial pressure caused a significant stress for Areeya. Before her death, she reportedly posted a farewell video message to friends on Facebook. Friends further alleged the creditor publicly shamed Areerat online by exposing details of the debt and making comments encouraging her to harm herself. After seeing the video, friends and a former employer reportedly attempted to contact and help her but were unable to intervene in time. They also told the family that Areerat had struggled with depression for more than five years. In interviews with Thai media, family members said they were still unable to fully accept the loss and hoped she would find peace after death. Photo via Matichon If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help. The story Thai woman in South Korea driven to suicide by financial pressure from creditor as seen on Thaiger News.

The Royal Gazette has published a Royal Decree releasing a commissioned officer from Royal Protection Service duties. On May 26, 2025, the Royal Gazette website announced the release of a commissioned officer from his position as Royal Protection Service member. The decree, issued under Article 15 of the 2017 Thai Constitution and related legislation governing royal service administration and personnel matters, specifically releases Lieutenant General Pongsak Prom Thongsuk, Commander of the Armed Forces Division (acting) of the Royal Guard Command, from his Royal Protection Service duties effective May 21, 2025. The announcement was made on May 25, 2025, in the eleventh year of the current reign.